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West Berkshire Branch of CAMRA

Visit to Arkell's Brewery, Swindon. November
2012.

On Thursday the 15th of November 2012 the
West Berkshire branch of CAMRA were delighted to take up an
invitation to visit Arkell's Brewery in Swindon. The brewery, which
was established in 1843 has been in the hands of the Arkell family
since its establishment and is still housed in the original
Victorian buildings in the north of the city.

Chartering a private coach, the branch arrived in style and slightly
early, and therefore took advantage of the brewery tap, The
Kingsdown just across the road from the brewery to have a swift half
before the visit began.

The brewery had laid on 4 of it's ales for
the visitors; 3Bs their 4% best bitter, Moonlight a 4.5% Golden Beer,
the tasty and refreshing Wiltshire Gold at 4% and finally Kingsdown
Special Ale, at 5% the most powerful beer of the night.

Alex Arkell, the newly appointed head
brewer, took parties of visitors on a tour around the brewery
showing off all stages of the brewing process from the mash tun to
the bottling production line.

The brewery were also generous enough to
lay on a hearty buffet including tasty chilli and chicken curry,
just right for a chilly November evening.

Members of the branch enjoying the
hospitality of Arkell's Brewery. Head Brewery Alex Arkell can just
be seen at the very rear. Free Trade Manager Barry Hunt is front
centre.

The branch would like to extend their
thanks to all at Arkell's brewery, especially Free Trade Manager
Barry Hunt who arranged the visit for the branch.